The Snatchers (Al-Naze'aat)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
CONSIDER those [stars] that rise only to set, 1 By those who gently draw out (the souls of the blessed); 2 And by those who glide along (on errands of mercy), 3 And those who race each other in a race 4 And those who govern the event, 5 On the Day (when the first blowing of the Trumpet is blown), the earth and the mountains will shake violently (and everybody will die), 6 And the second followeth it, 7 (Some) hearts that Day will shake with fear and anxiety. 8 while eyes will be downcast. 9 They shall say, 'What, are we being restored as we were before? 10 Even if we should be decayed bones? 11 and they say, "That indeed would be a losing return." 12 So that is not but a single shout. 13 and they will be upon the surface of the earth (alive). 14 Hast thou received the story of Moses? 15 His Lord called to him in the Sacred Valley of Towa, 16 Go to Fir'aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed all bounds (in crimes, sins, polytheism, disbelief, etc.). 17 And say: 'Would you like to grow (in virtue)? 18 Then I shall guide thee unto thy Lord so that thou shalt fear. 19 Moses showed him the great miracle 20 But Pharaoh denied and disobeyed. 21 Further, he turned his back, striving hard (against Allah). 22 Then he gathered his people and cried aloud, 23 And proclaimed: "I (Pharaoh) am your Lord the Highest." 24 And thereupon God took him to task, [and made him] a warning example in the life to come as well as in this world. 25 In this, behold, there is a lesson indeed for all who stand in awe [of God]. 26